In-Depth – The F.P. Journe Vagabondage III (And The History Of The Vagabondage Series)

François-Paul Journe has always been a bit apart in the watchmaking industry. Yet, most of his watches are easily recognizable and are imbued with a clear, distinctive DNA. However, a specific series of watches does not respect the rule; the Vagabondage watches. Entirely different case, entirely different displays, entirely different philosophy… 2017 marks the arrival of a third tortue-cased watch, the F.P. Journe Vagabondage III (which we already showed to you in video here). A splendid watch and the first-ever mechanical watch with digital jumping-seconds. And today, we take a closer look at it.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date

This year was the year of the exceptional for Vacheron Constantin, a year of ultra-complex, ultra-rare and ultra-precious watches. The two main novelties were indeed the Celestia and the Symphonia. One is an astronomical watch with 23 complications, tourbillon and massive power reserve (6 barrels…!) The other one is no less than a Grande Sonnerie. Good for angels… However the brand also had some novelties for us, mere mortals. And one of them is this highly elegant and rather original Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date.

8 years ago

Introducing the 2017 Updated Oris Aquis Date Collection (More Refined, Still Powerful)

Since its introduction, the Oris Aquis has always been the high-performance dive watch of the brand. Sturdy, robust, strong and powerful, this watch is all about performance and reliability. So to say, a real tool watch, which earned the status of icon in the Oris collection. Even if it remained modern, Oris has decided to bring a new take on the Aquis Date Collection, with subtle evolutions of most components, in order to bring modernity and extra-refinement to a still very toolish and professional-oriented watch. Here is the updated Oris Aquis Date Collection for 2017, more refined, still powerful.

8 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2017 – Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Brown Dial

We told you several times, the Word-Time complication is certainly the best answer to the issues of current business habits. Many of us are frequent travelers or work in an international environment, switching timezones (virtually or literally) more often than we change shirt. The need for a watch that displays multiple time-zones has never been so high. However, as we’ve seen, World-Time watches can go from quite accessible to insanely expensive. For that, Frederique Constant has a nice offer, affordable for sure, but also full of technical content (in-house movement and module, interesting way to adjust…); the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture. For Baselworld 2017, this watch will be introduced in a pink gold plated / brown dial combination.

8 years ago

The Record-Breaking Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Now In Skeleton Version

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton – The record-breaking Octo Finissimo Tourbillon now comes in a ‘skeleton’ version. The perfect opportunity to satisfy our curiosity, taking advantage of the now unobstructed view of the inner workings of the thinnest Tourbillon ever. A testament of the Bulgari watchmaking expertise, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton combines several smart technical solutions. More than that, its open-worked movement illustrates the brand’s design capabilities down to the very last details.

8 years ago

ROLEX BASELWORLD 2017 – Predictions For The Novelties That Rolex Could Launch In 2017

It’s that time of the year again… In less than 2 months Baselworld will open its doors, revealing a myriad of new watch collections. Included among them of course will be the new releases from Rolex for 2017. Today we’re featuring what has become something of a recurring game for us here at Monochrome. Just like we did in 2016, 2015 and 2014 we’ve spent the last few weeks guessing what could be the Rolex Baselworld 2017 Collection? This is the question we’re trying to answer today. What could be Rolex 2017 Novelties? After long debates based on our own expectations, analysis of the Rolex catalogue and data compiled from discussions at several watch forums, here are the watches that Rolex could potentially launch at Baselworld 2017. Keep in mind, these are just predictions. Nothing is official.

8 years ago

BYOW (Build-Your-Own-Watch) – The Revolo Concept, An Affordable Way To Design A Unique Watch

Admit it, most of us (if not ALL of us) have dreamt about it at one point; building your own watch. Whether it’s our very own watch brand, or a Pièce Unique. Normally, if you call it normal, this will cost you thousands if not hundreds of thousands, especially when you want to turn your concept into an actual brand. There is a solution though, and it goes by the name of Revolo. We take a look at what it is, and what it can do for you through our very own “Monochrome Pièce Unique”.

8 years ago

The Blancpain Bathyscaphe Now In 38mm – A Smaller Version Presented in the Frame of The Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) Inauguration in Zurich

Blancpain has been committed for years to raising awareness about the ever-increasing need to safeguard our oceans. The issue is a critical one that affects all of us and immediate action is required, so it is always good to see a brand taking the initiative to help protect our environment. This program is all the more meaningful given Blancpain’s historical connection with diving, going as far back as 1953 with the launch of the first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, which is now introduced in 38mm during the inauguration of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment exhibition in Zurich*.

8 years ago

Review – The A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite (Spoiler Alert: It is MEGA)

No need to beat around the bush… Some subjects don’t really need to be debated. The new A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite is a superlative watch, a proper masterpiece, mixing all the technical marvels of one of the best manufactures in the world (because for once, it’s outside Switzerland), with a strong respect to traditions and a devotion to what is (to me, at least) the most important in a watch; precision. Yes, you could say that the Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite blows things out of proportion but still, whatever the critics will be, we all must admit that this watch is, in every aspect, mega.

8 years ago

Introducing The Colorful Sixties Iconic Square Collection By Glashütte Original (With 1960s Dial Colors)

Following the inaugural presentation of the Sixties Iconic Collection in 2015, Glashütte Original takes its tribute to iconic 1960s design to a new level. For those who thought that Glashütte Original watches were rigorous and very teutonic (well, some are, yet in a very beautiful way), you might have to change your mind about the brand. They can also go a bit out of the box. A vintage and original rounded-square design, combined with super-bright colors… Yes, the Glashütte Original Sixties Iconic Square Collection comes from that same Saxonian manufacture that can create the Senator Chronometer. And we won’t complain that they dare to look back at iconic design elements first presented in “Spezimatic” models produced in the 1960s.

8 years ago